Taking a break from the hobby (and that is why I hate .99 cent auctions!)

[bobbyw8469]

Originally Posted by vintagetoppsguy

One thing I've learned about this board. You can take two nearly identical situations and people's opinions will change based on who the board members are.

+1. You are an astute man David James! I have noticed that as well myself.

The card in question was a 1961 Topps Juan Marichal rookie card (PSA 6). As far as regular Topps issues go, this is one of the most off centered cards I know of (as well as the 1959 Bob Gibson). The winning buyer seemed to be quite hung up on VCP average and not wanting to get ripped off (which the average is around $66). Being a VCP member myself, I explained to him that all the cards selling for VCP average or less, are HORRENDOUSLY off centered, to the tune of 80/20 or worse, usually favoring the extreme left or right border. If you notice any of the cards selling for more than that, all of them are centered halfway decent. The selling prices range from $90-$105 for cards that are centered half-way decent. That being said, he overpaid by a whopping $9! Doesn't have to be 50/50, just better than the usual horrible ones I am seeing. The buyer didn't want to hear that. He thought $66 was gonna win it. I am not a fan of problematic auctions for the exact reasons two other members have stated. One of the underbidders is one of the premiere PSA graded card "flippers" on EBay. Do I want to risk alienating his future business (he bids on alot of my stuff) by letting him think that this particular auction was shilled?? Hell no! I will probably send him a 2nd chance anyway, and hope for the best, as I really hate starting over from scratch.

And yes, that was a valid question - does he really want to be blocked for overpaying by $9????? I block all non-paying bidders - I sure as hell will block one for doing what he is doing (which in my opinion is worse, because he should know better).